Connections from the metallic rods are interfaced to the control unit. The sensing arrangement is made using two stiff metallic rods inserted to the agricultural field required to be in control. An LCD display is also interfaced to the microcontroller to display the status of the soil and water pump ON/Off condition. It also sends an SMS to the concerned number using GSM modem. Once the controller receives the signal, it generates an output that drives a relay for operating the water pump. This is achieved by using an op-amp as comparator which acts as interface between the sensing device and the microcontroller.
The project uses 8051 series microcontroller, which is programmed to receive the input signal of varying moistures of the soil through sensors. Through GSM Modem, the sensed moisture content data will be sent as an SMS to the user. This study is designed to develop an automatic irrigation system that switches (ON/OFF) a pump motor by sensing the moisture content of the soil using wireless technology.
